Defiance

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Chapter 10

E L Y S I A

Aldric was leaving his chambers and I watch him leave through the door. As he did, all the anger and frustration he caused began to subside. I took a deep breath. Suddenly, I realize where I was. In his bedroom. This was where he slept. It's strange to think even monsters have to sleep. 

He let me lie in his bed, I realized. How did he even get me here? I doubt the wolves in his pack would ever allow such a thing so how did he bring me here? I sat back down in his bed. 

Without realizing, I let myself lie in it. Then, his scent overwhelmed me. The sheets smell of oak and deep woods; they smelt like Aldric. And strangely, this scent was intoxicating. I couldn't take it anymore.

Why did I want him enough to protect him with my life? Without thinking once, I had surged before for that arrow? And even now, despite his mistakes, I didn't regret it. In fact, the thought of anything hurting him hurt me. It was disgusting. I couldn't want this. I cannot want him.

I had to stay away from him. I didn't know what he was doing to me but I needed it to stop. Not taking another step closer, I pulled myself off his bed, took a pillow and placed it on the carpet beside the bed. The pillow even smelt of him but it was better than the sheets. 

I couldn't let him touch me or even come close. If he does, I will melt. It was mortifying. It wasn't fair. How could someone who is so easily my enemy able to have this effect on me? He hurt witches of the Mae Coven; he burned down the homes of innocent people. He was a killer. He was a monster.

Maybe it was just an attraction thing. I didn't know what I felt but I knew one thing for certain: he would never feel it back.

But my brain was also ringing with the things he said. He thought I was a fool. He thought I was an utterly stupid little witch who was going around being kind.

You trust people too easily. You make a home out of everything. You act all strong and powerful but past that exterior, you're just a scared little girl who has no idea how easily this world will destroy her. You think you can protect yourself? The only reason you are alive right now is by sheer luck, Elysia!

I hate him because he's right. I can't protect myself. If it wasn't for that cloak, Aldric would have killed me that very moment. I am alive because of sheer luck and there will come a time when I won't be so lucky.

I was so tired. I knew I always wanted to learn magic but I never had the resources to learn. 

The last time I tried to learn Mother Noora gave me a punishment that still left scars on my body. I shook my head, quickly deleting the memory. 

I laid awake thinking and by the time Aldric came back, I was still awake. I don't know what time it is, but I know it is well past midnight. I rise from the side of the bed. He stared at me; first with confusion, then with his regular emotionless expression. 

He looks menacing as he walks in. Surely, someone has pissed him off. For once, it isn't me. But I think I might. I stood from the ground and faced him. I needed to say something. Say what? 

Thank you for keeping me in your room but you are a monster and I hate you?

"The witches of the Coven..." I started. "Did anyone die?"

"Yes. Two witches."

I inhaled. "What was the point of that? Your sister's alive! What was the fucking point of that?"